The Beauty and Metaphysical Properties of Topaz

Topaz is a beautiful gemstone that is well known for not only its physical beauty, but also for the beneficial metaphysical and spiritual properties that are often attributed to it. It is believed that topaz is the stone of strength and beauty. It is one of the birthstones for November, and as such is used to commemorate auspicious occasions such as birth, weddings, and anniversaries. Over the years, people have credited this stone with a wide range of properties – some more bizarre than others! For example, the Greeks believed that it could turn a person invisible! Overall, it is considered to be a positive stone and promotes joy and optimism. Topaz is recommended for the 4th and 19th wedding anniversaries.

Some believed that topaz changed color when brought near food or drink that was poisoned. There are also those who claim that the strength of the stone depends on the phases of the moon. New Age followers believe that blue topaz is particularly useful in calming raging emotions, meditation, self-realization, and ensuring that a person carries on his or her life in tune with their own aspirations and beliefs, and helps you find your way back if you stray from this path. The blue color of the stone is often associated with truth and wisdom.

There are at least two conflicting theories about the origin of the name of this stone. some believe that it was derived from the Sanskrit word for fire – "tapas". The Greeks however, claim that "topaz" Greek words topazos or topazion, which refer to the Island of St. Johns in the Red Sea. There may be some validity to this claim because historians and gemologists also believe that in ancient times peridot was wrongly referred to as topaz, and the Island of St. Johns was famous for its peridot production. The term "imperial topaz" has its origin in 19th century Russia. For the first time, specimens in shades of pink were found here. The Czar and Czarina were so taken by the beauty of these stones that they decreed that no one but the royal family could own these beautiful stones. To this day, topaz specimens in shades of pink and other pastel colors are referred to as imperial topaz.

In days gone by, the name 'topaz' was loosely used to describe any yellow stone. In fact, even peridot was often referred to as topaz. It was not until the mid 19th century and more detailed and sophisticated analyses were performed, and the definition of topaz was nailed down to the form hat we know today. Some of the physical characteristics of topaz are quite similar to those of quartz, and to this day, blue quartz is often mistaken for topaz. Today, the accepted chemical composition of topaz is aluminum fluorosilicate, with the chemical description (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2). The most common color for topaz crystals is colorless. Among the colored crystals of this stone, blue is the most common. Less frequently, it can be found in many other different colors including pale yellow, light brown. orange, pink, red or violet.

Since topaz is a transparent stone, aberrations in the stone such as inclusions and fracture planes are easy to see with the naked eye. Flawless specimens are rare and expensive, and almost exclusively used in fine jewelry. Stones with minor flaws are used in sterling pendants and other pieces of fashion and low-end fine jewelry. Stones with deeper colors are more valuable than those with lighter colors. Larger stones hold their color better than smaller ones. Specimens of topaz often have a developed basal cleavage, which can create problems for the cutter.